UAE Amnesty Scheme 2024: What You Need to Know

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (“ICP”) on 1st August 2024 announced the Amnesty Scheme 2024 (the “Scheme”), allowing all foreigners, e.g. expatriates, residents, tourists, and visitors to regularize their visa status or leave the country without penalties.

The initiative aims to foster adherence to the law and social cohesion among the diverse expatriate community in the UAE. It provides individuals with an opportunity for a fresh start by rectifying their visa status, allowing them to either continue to stay in the UAE or return to their home countries without legal or financial repercussions.

Maj. Gen. Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, head of the ICP, said:

“It is a chance for all violators to change their status in the country. The initiative will enhance the country's position in the human rights sector. We want to support the people who are staying in the country by changing their status to enable them to get their rights and have a safe exit from the country or work and live decently in the UAE.”

A detailed overview of the Scheme follows.

Overview of the Amnesty Scheme

• Duration: The Amnesty Scheme will be in force for 2 months commencing from September 1 to October 31, 2024.
• Objective: The primary goal is to allow individual foreigners i.e., expats, residents, tourists, and visitors with expired visas or overstays to rectify their residency status or exit the country without facing fines.

Eligibility Criteria under the Scheme

Who Can Apply

• Individuals with expired residency visas.
• Tourists and visitors whose visas have expired.
• Those who have overstayed their visas due to various circumstances, including job loss, personal emergencies, or a misunderstanding of visa regulations.
• Individuals born in the UAE without registered residency.
• Those who have absconded from their sponsors.

Exclusions

• Individuals who entered the UAE illegally.
• Those with ongoing deportation cases or who violate visa rules after September 1, 2024.

Available Options under the Scheme

Regularization: Applicants can apply for a six-month visa, allowing them to stay in the UAE and seek employment. This visa grants time to register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE).

Departure: Individuals can choose to leave the UAE without facing penalties or fines. However, a two-year entry ban will apply for those who opt to leave.

Centers for Application Process

The Authorities have provided designated Amnesty Centers where individuals can apply for registration under the Amnesty Scheme:

• For Emirates of Abu Dhabi: ICP centers in Al Dhafra, Suwaihan, Al Maqam, and Al Shahama, and private typing centers recognized by the ICP.
• For Emirates of Dubai: Amer service centers and the center for immigration violators in Al Awir.
• For other Emirates: Individuals can contact their local immigration offices.

Applicants shall be required to provide documentation/information with respect to their identification, proof of residency, and other requirements.

Benefits of the Scheme

• No Fines and Fees: Applicants will not incur overstay fines or exit fees. There is no cost involved in changing visa status or obtaining an exit permit. Any fines imposed earlier for illegally staying in the country will also be waived.
• Individuals who obtain exit permits through the Scheme must leave the UAE within 14 days. This will remove them from the banned list and allow them to return to the UAE in the future. Failure to leave within this period will result in the re-imposition of earlier fines.
• Legal Compliance: The Scheme encourages individuals to rectify their residency status, promoting legal compliance within the UAE.
• Support from Embassies: Many embassies are mobilizing resources to help their citizens take advantage of amnesty.

The initiative was launched by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security with a nationwide amnesty in 2018. The scheme was initially launched for a period of three months, however, it was extended for some weeks due to demand.

Written by

Sakina Dickenwala | MBC Legal Consultants